Tribute to Aro Black

Our Grier Housemaster

Dateline Grier House 1967-73.
Our Housemaster in Grier House was Mr. J. O. Arodudu. His nickname was Aro black?. He lived in a bungalow off the back road exiting Government College. If I recall correctly, he taught us English Language. He was a quiet man, a short and rather dark complexioned man, who spoke in a soft but commanding voice. I particularly remember his stealth, as if he wore rubber soled shoes always. Most times, he had a short cane in his hand, seemingly to constantly remind us to be good boys all the time, rather than suffer its possible devastating effect; the cane would have if it landed on our backsides

My interactions with him were rather limited because I was a boarder in my first, fourth and fifth years, and a day boy in my second. I made a concerted effort to stay out of trouble and I recall that I never served any House punishment ... until my good friend, Joe Ishioro (now of blessed memory) and I broke bounds and got into real trouble. We went to Chrisbo Hotel, a bar and brothel in Odo Ona area. For that infraction, we cut grass on the field adjacent our prep room.

Aro Black intervened and shamed us. On our part, we could not be bothered anyway, as we had known and accepted the fact all along that if we were caught, it would be hell. After all, we had already savoured the joy of being out on a frolic and we were prepared for the consequences. Exhibiting false bravado, we said, "you can do your worst behind his back. We dared not say it to his face. Like bush fire, the phrase spread throughout the school.

I remember Aro Black usually arrived late in the evening to do the dormitory rounds and he stayed outside on the corridor most times, in the company of a sixth former, whose voices were always muted so as not to attract the attention of members of the rooms whose beds were close to the entrances.

In retrospect, I say that the tutoring and mentoring from all our teachers, housemasters and other support staff of the school, which had great impact on us in those formative years of ours combined to make each and every one of us what we have become today. I understand that Aro Black is now deceased. May God rest his soul. I therefore, stand in silence, for one minute, and pray for the repose of his soul; while he stands in the gap for all those other mentors, teachers and support staff who have also departed for the great beyond. Salute...

Submitted By:
ORUWARIYE Wenike D.